Chinaman (Name Unknown)
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, we’ve digitized a small selection of inquests and inquiries from 1872 to 1934, found in series GR-0431. These were chosen to reflect the experiences of early Chinese immigrants to B.C. – their living and working conditions, and their unfortunate accidental or unusual deaths. They range from a woman working in a brothel in Barkerville who died of natural causes to three sawmill workers who died from malnutrition. Learn more.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Louis an Indian being sworn states
One day last week Paul came and said he had found a body in the Fraser River. I went up with Sam & Paul and saw the body. When we got up we brought the body on the shore. I did not know the deceased. The body had been turned over on its back before we took it on shore. There was a small break on the skin of the forehead made by a stick when we taking it out of the logs I think.
Louis His mark X
Taken upon oath and acknowledged before me this 2nd say of September 1875.
C. N. Trew Coroner
BC Archives, GR-0431 Box 1 File 6 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Inquisitions / inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.